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2018 philadelphia classical guitar festival

The Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society proudly announces the winners of the 2018 Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition featuring the Peter Segal Prize for the first place Adult Division winner. Winners received merchandise prizes generously supplied by D’Addario, Savarez, and Strings by Mail with monetary awards for first through third place winners as well.

Comprised of three judging rounds competitors were first judged via recordings submitted with applications. The semifinal and final rounds were then performed as part of the two day festival on April 7 and 8 as the final event of the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society’s 2017/2018 Season. Judges for these rounds were Glenn Caluda, Elizabeth Caluda, Jeff Cogan, John Penn, John Demko, Kerry Alt, and Joseph Palmer.

Adult Division Winners:

First Place and Peter Segal Prize*

Philip Goldenberg

Graduate of Rowan University (B.M.) studying under Joseph Mayes and Cleveland Institute of Music (M.M.) studying under GRAMMY award winner Jason Vieaux

Second Place:

Zhi Li

Currently studying at the University of North Texas (Denton, TX) under Thomas Johnson

Third Place:

Mengyi Li

Currently studying at the Peabody Conservatory (Baltimore, MD) studying under Manuel Barrueco

Fourth Place:

Carlos Bedoya

Graduate of Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ) studying under Kathleen Mayes

*The Peter Segal Prize

The Peter Segal Prize, first prize adult division, was created in 2008 to honor Peter Segal, one of the most important figures in the history of the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society and the classical guitar in Philadelphia. Originally funded through donation, the $1000 prize is now funded by PCGS and its sponsors. Peter was a prominent musician in Philadelphia and a founding member of the society in 1967. He performed with a variety of ensembles including The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Concerto Soloists, The Opera Company of Philadelphia and Relâche. His career included both domestic and international touring as a solo guitarist and in a flute/guitar duo with flutist Janet Ketchum. Peter Segal was also a well regarded teacher and scholar and founded classical guitar programs at several institutions including the Boyer College of Music at Temple University and the Philadelphia Musical Academy. He continued to be an active performer and teacher until he passed away in January 2006. His legacy is enhanced by the large number of his students who have gone on to professional careers as teachers and performers.

High School Division Winners:

First Place:

Everett Shen

Lawrence High School (Lawrenceville, NJ)

Westminster Conservatory of Music (Princeton, NJ)

Student of Mark Johnstone

Second Place:

Evan Conrad

Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts

Student of John Arnold

Third Place:

Darla Rublesky

Home schooled

Student of Lora Rublesky

Fourth Place:

Harshil Bhular

Lawrence High School (Lawrenceville, NJ)

Westminster Conservatory of Music (Princeton, NJ)

Student of Mark Johnstone

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Founded in 1967, The Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society (PCGS) is a community of members, both supporters and musicians of all ages and accomplishments, dedicated to the advancement of the art of the classical guitar. Through encouraging classical guitar activities throughout the Delaware Valley, PCGS presents concerts throughout the year along with informal Guitar Salons and a Classical Guitar Orchestra providing performance opportunities to members of all levels.